Job summary
Only available to current STSFT employees (previous Applicants need not apply).

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Speech and Language Therapy Assistant - Adult Team.

Speech and Language Assistants are vital to our work in carrying out therapy, in preparing and assisting in clinics, collecting outcome data, assisting with equipment and resources, monitoring stock and supporting training. You will be required to work across two sites at South Tyneside District Hospital and at Sunderland Royal Hospital to support patients and to deliver therapy e.g. on the acute stroke unit and rehabilitation wards. You will develop experience of working with adults with a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties. Excellent support, supervision and training will be provided. You will join our well-established Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) service.

As a team we work together to provide the best service we can whilst striving to develop staff who are our key asset to improve patient outcomes. You will have excellent support and will be encouraged to develop your skills and competencies. You will align to our vision and values which include using research and innovation to improve patient care.

Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visit Gov.UK for further information

Main duties of the job
We provide Speech and Language Therapy to adults across South Tyneside and Sunderland who have speech, language, voice, communication and swallowing difficulties. You will work with a range of adults who have acquired difficulties with communication and swallowing, as a result of a range of conditions including amongst others, stroke, brain injury and progressive neurological disorders.

You will:

• be keen to develop experience in working with adults with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties;
• have an enthusiasm for working in our team;
• have excellent communication and team working skills;
• be keen to work within a large, innovative department;
• have a flexible approach to meet the demands of the work;
• be keen to learn a wide range of new skills;
• have the ability meet the travel requirements of this Post.

To find out more, contact -
Sarah Talbot or Sam Taylor on 0191 569 9009

About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Job responsibilities
To assist Speech & Language Therapists (SALT) in improving communication skills of adults with swallowing, voice, communication and speech and language difficulties.

Carry out therapy programmes independently for specific client groups e.g. Lee Silverman Therapy for people with Parkinsons Disease, dysarthria therapy

To monitor stock levels of equipment

To dispense AAC/SVR equipment to patients as prescribed by SALT and adhering to protocol.

To support running of clinics, including instrumental clinics

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of either in work or home life with people speech and language difficulties
• Experience of working to deadlines

Desirable

• Worked as SALT assistant

Other
Essential

• Ability to travel to various work locations and transport equipment on occasion to meet the needs of the post

Desirable

• Car owner / driver

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSE English Language (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
• At least 4 other GCSEs (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
• B Tec Professional Development Award for Speech & Language Therapy Assistants/ Nursery Nurse level 3 qualification or other relevant qualification
• OR equivalent in-house/external training
• Knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and their management

Skills
Essential

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the basic aims and principles of Speech and Language Therapy and the Therapy Assistant role
• Ability to communicate verbally in a manner appropriate to a variety of parties, dealing with sensitive information and taking into account barriers to understanding
• Ability to generate written communication which is relevant, concise, accurate and legible.
• Ability to work independently as well as within the multi-agency team.
• Ability to organise own workload.
• Able to observe and modify a treatment activity, demonstrating an understanding of the patients and settings needs.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of own limits
• Good listening skills
• Good IT skills
• Technical skills to set up equipment/maintain and programme communication aids

Desirable

• Range of therapeutic approaches/skills to use with patients.

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Commitment to client centred, non-discriminatory practice.
• Demonstrates initiative within the boundaries of the role
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable and able to work on own initiative
• Enthusiasm and recognition of the need for self -development
• Advocacy skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
• Ability to work well as a team member

Attitude
Essential

• Equal enthusiasm to work in a clinical admin/preparation role as well as directly with the patients
• Enthusiasm for working within a caring profession
• Enthusiasm for working in a support role
• Enthusiasm to learn new skills
• Enthusiasm to work in a variety of locations
• Flexibility in work allocation (location, prioritising tasks etc)

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.